Why Choosing a Private ADHD Assessment May Be the Best Option
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a lifelong neurodevelopmental condition that affects focus, attention, impulse control, and emotional regulation. While many people are first diagnosed in childhood, a growing number of adults are seeking assessment for symptoms that have impacted them throughout life.
In the UK, there is now an overwhelming demand for ADHD assessments—and unfortunately, NHS services are struggling to keep up. This blog explores your rights under the NHS, how Right to Choose works, and why opting for a private ADHD assessment may offer a faster and more comprehensive solution.
Understanding ADHD and the Need for Assessment
ADHD is linked to differences in executive functioning, working memory, and attention regulation. It is also highly heritable, with an estimated 70 to 80 percent genetic component (Faraone et al., 2005). If left undiagnosed or unsupported, ADHD can contribute to poor academic performance, work-related challenges, relationship difficulties, and increased risk for depression and anxiety (Barkley et al., 2006).
Getting a diagnosis is not just about labelling—it is about understanding how your brain works, gaining access to treatment, and receiving support in education, work, and daily life.
The Problem with NHS Waiting Times
NHS waiting times for ADHD assessments are currently at crisis levels. In many parts of the UK, adults and children are waiting 12 to 36 months for a first appointment. According to recent data from the ADHD Foundation, thousands of referrals are effectively "on pause" due to long queues, underfunding, and a shortage of specialist clinicians.
While the NHS offers high-quality assessments in theory, the reality is that delays are leaving many people undiagnosed, unsupported, and at risk of worsening mental health.
What Is the Right to Choose?
If you live in England, you have a legal right to access consultant-led services through the Right to Choose pathway. This means your GP can refer you to any NHS-commissioned provider in England, including private companies contracted to deliver ADHD assessments.
For example, some private clinics are approved under NHS Right to Choose and will assess eligible patients at no personal cost, as long as the correct referral is made. However, waiting times are still often several months long, and some clinics have paused intake due to high demand.
Why Choose a Private ADHD Assessment?
Many individuals are now choosing to fund their own private ADHD assessment rather than remain on waiting lists. There are several important advantages to this option:
1. Timely Access
Private services often offer appointments within two to four weeks. This avoids months—or even years—of delay and helps you start making changes sooner.
2. Comprehensive, Person-Centred Approach
At InKind, we offer adult and adolescent ADHD assessments conducted by HCPC-registered Consultant Clinical Psychologists. We use a gold-standard combination of clinical interview, standardised tools such as the DIVA-5, and collateral information from school or family when needed.
We take the time to explore your full neurodevelopmental history and assess for co-occurring conditions such as autism, anxiety, or trauma—issues that are often overlooked in rushed NHS assessments.
3. Clarity and Recognition
Our detailed clinical reports are suitable for sharing with GPs, universities, employers, and mental health services. They provide clear diagnostic conclusions, tailored recommendations, and guidance on treatment pathways.
4. Neuroaffirmative, Trauma-Informed Practice
We recognise that ADHD presents differently in different people, especially in women, non-binary individuals, and those who have experienced trauma. We approach every assessment with sensitivity, curiosity, and clinical rigour.
What About Cost?
A private ADHD assessment is an investment in your future. While prices vary between providers, it can be far more cost-effective to gain clarity now than to wait years for diagnosis while facing reduced work capacity, mental health challenges, or misdiagnosis.
At InKind, our assessments are designed to be transparent, evidence-based, and accepted by GPs and NHS professionals. We also provide post-assessment support to help you navigate medication options, workplace accommodations, or therapy referrals.
Summary: Know Your Rights and Make the Best Choice
If you live in England, you have two main pathways:
Right to Choose: Ask your GP to refer you to an NHS-funded provider of your choice
Private assessment: Choose to fund a comprehensive evaluation for faster access and greater depth
For many, a private ADHD assessment provides clarity, validation, and a foundation for meaningful change. If you are ready to take the next step, InKind is here to support you.
References
Faraone, S. V., Perlis, R. H., Doyle, A. E., et al. (2005). Molecular genetics of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Biological Psychiatry, 57(11), 1313–1323.
Barkley, R. A., Murphy, K. R., & Fischer, M. (2006). ADHD in Adults: What the Science Says. Guilford Press.
ADHD Foundation (2023). ADHD Assessment Crisis. Available at: https://www.adhdfoundation.org.uk
NHS England (2023). Patient Choice Framework. Available at: https://www.england.nhs.uk/patient-choice